Rawl begins Senate campaign

Charleston County Councilman Vic Rawl kicked off his campaign for U.S. Senate on Monday, adding a well-known Lowcountry Democrat with legislative experience to the race for conservative Republican Sen. Jim DeMint's seat.

Speaking outside the county's Public Service Building in North Charleston, Rawl portrayed himself as a moderate who could get things done.

"Some of our political leaders are more intent on representing their party than the citizens who elected them," Rawl said. "Others are trying to enact social programs that may be beyond our financial means.

"I am seeking this nomination to try to overcome these extremes and resolve the daunting problems facing our state and country."

Rawl, 64, of Johns Island, is a former circuit judge who served in the state House in 1977 and 1978, and from 1981-1986. He is serving a first term on County Council and pledged that he would not miss council meetings or lose focus on county business as he campaigns for the Senate.

"I keep my obligations," said Rawl, who described DeMint as an "absentee senator."

Rawl's aim is to defeat DeMint, but first he would have to win the Democratic nomination. Mike Ruckes, a Ford Motor Co. retiree who lives in Summerville, also is seeking the nomination in the June 8 primary election.

"I welcome Vic Rawl to the race, and I look forward to spirited debate," Ruckes said.

Fort Mill attorney Chad McGowan also was running on the Democratic side but dropped out of the race last month.

Rawl estimates he will need to raise at least $8 million to effectively challenge DeMint, who had $3.2 million in his campaign war chest at the end of December.

DeMint spent more than $9 million in 2004 to win his Senate seat, while Democrat Inez Tenenbaum, then the state superintendent of education, spent nearly $6.3 million. DeMint captured 54 percent of the vote in that race.

"I think he (Rawl) has got a good shot at it," said County Council member Colleen Condon. "He has a lot of energy."

"It certainly will be entertaining."

James Island Town Councilman Parris Williams said he once served as a juror in a trial over which Rawl presided and was impressed by the judge. Williams said it could only be good for the town to have a senator from the area.

Rawl grew up on Johns Island and is a graduate of College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He participates in mediations and arbitrations, and served as a special master to oversee cases resulting from the Graniteville train disaster.

"Problem-solving is easier when people overcome their political differences and work for the common good," Rawl said.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.